Terahertz Pulse Wave Foreign Matter Detection in Medical Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods fail to accurately detect foreign matter, such as resin, carbonized medical agents, and hair, in medical containers with resin and aluminum surfaces, and lack optimal detection conditions.
Innovation Solution
A terahertz pulse wave-based foreign-matter detecting apparatus that includes an oscillating unit, optical system, receiving unit, scanning mechanism, and operator to generate and process terahertz waves for reflection, power, and tomographic imaging, enabling accurate detection of foreign matter through time waveform signals, reflection images, power spectra, and frequency images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection is used to detect foreign matter, then the inspection process can be performed with simple equipment, but the inspection time is excessive and accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection system with an electromagnetic wave-based detection system. Specifically, it uses terahertz time-domain spectroscopy to detect foreign matter in powder, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and significantly reducing inspection time while improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visible light (human eye detection) to terahertz frequency electromagnetic waves. By using terahertz waves with frequencies in the range of 0.1-10 THz, the system can detect foreign matter based on differences in dielectric properties and absorption characteristics, achieving both high accuracy and automated operation.
2Measurement precision
If X-ray inspection is used to detect foreign matter, then metallic foreign matter can be detected, but non-metallic foreign matter such as resin and splinter cannot be accurately detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from X-ray attenuation (which is effective for metals) to terahertz wave absorption and reflection characteristics. Non-metallic foreign matter has distinct terahertz absorption spectra that differ from the surrounding powder, enabling reliable detection of resin, splinters, and other non-metallic contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces terahertz waves as an intermediary detection medium that interacts differently with various materials. The terahertz waves penetrate the container and powder while being selectively absorbed or reflected by foreign matter, providing a universal detection method that works for both metallic and non-metallic materials.
3Measurement precision
If high-frequency terahertz waves are used for detection, then the detection resolution is improved, but the waves cannot penetrate the container and powder effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the terahertz frequency parameter to balance penetration and resolution. By using terahertz waves in the frequency range of 0.1-10 THz (with optimal frequencies identified through spectroscopy), the system achieves sufficient penetration through typical container and powder configurations while maintaining adequate resolution for foreign matter detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus achieves significant accuracy in detecting foreign matter, including non-metallic materials like hair, within medical containers, even when the powder contains medicinal active substances, by utilizing terahertz waves with frequencies of 1 THz or less, improving detection accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillating unit configured to generate a terahertz pulse wave and emit the terahertz pulse wave as irradiation light
Implementation Method 2
an optical system configured to guide the irradiation light emitted from the oscillating unit to the first part of the container and condense reflected light reflected from the container
Implementation Method 3
a receiving unit configured to output a signal corresponding to the reflected light condensed by the optical system and also measure an echo
Implementation Method 4
an operator configured to detect presence/absence, a kind, or a similar state of foreign matter in the powder in the container based on at least one of a value, a reflection image, a power spectrum, a tomographic image, and a frequency image
Data Source
AI summary
A foreign matter detecting apparatus includes an oscillating unit, an optical system, a receiving unit, a scanning mechanism, and an operator. The oscillating unit generates a terahertz pulse wave and emits the terahertz pulse wave as irradiation light. The optical system guides the irradiation light to the first part of the container and condenses reflected light from the container. The receiving unit outputs a signal corresponding to the condensed reflected light and also measures an echo. The scanning mechanism scans a position of the irradiation light guided on the first part in a two-dimensional manner. The operator detects foreign matter in powder in a container based on at least one of a time waveform signal, a reflection image, a power spectrum, a tomographic image, and a frequency image. The time waveform signal is output from the receiving unit in chronological order.